Zomba Forest Lodge
Zomba Forest Lodge is a haven of peace and quiet, nestled half-way Zomba Mountain within 20 acres of mixed woodland. A real treat for those seeking some peace and tranquility, some good food and an opportunity to switch off and unwind. Zomba Forest Lodge is more than just a lodge, it is a home away from home and guests are treated that way.
The lodge is completely off-grid with no electricity in the lodge so at night, the lodge and the bedrooms are lit up with candles, paraffin lamps and solar lights providing discrete and atmospheric illumination. The evenings feel lovely and cosy especially, in the winter with the roaring log fire!
Being off-grid also allows our guests to enjoy a simpler, quieter and more peaceful way of life, an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level, even if for only a couple of days; a real boost to their well-being and happiness.
The rates include accommodation and all meals (Breakfast, lunch and a beautiful 3 course dinner).
The atmosphere here is intimate, cosy and friendly. Please do not expect anything formal. The owners want to make sure that you have a great time
Accommodation
The lodge has five en-suite comfortable and tastefully decorated bedrooms, the lodge has the intimacy of a home away from home. Guests come together each evening for a candlelit three course dinner to share their stories, experiences, and laughter. As a bonus, the food is known to be some of the best in Malawi.
The bedrooms consist of 2 double rooms, 1 twin room and 2 rooms that can be made into either double or a twin so in total can sleep 10 people.
Facilities
Dining
As one of the owners of the lodge says, ‘People have come to expect some of the best food in Malawi at Zomba Forest Lodge and we aim to keep it up'. For a kitchen that operates without electricity, it delivers amazing food that is consistently highly-rated by travellers. Ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible and with an eye on the seasons; dishes are creative and delicious.
Sitting at individual tables, you enjoy three meals a day, starting with fresh bread, homemade jams and a cooked breakfast before a set-menu lunch and 3-course dinner – you may sit down to fresh cream of mushroom or sweet potato soup, followed by coconut-stuffed chicken with lemon, sushi ginger and coriander. Dietary requirements (and indeed personal tastes) can be catered for with advance notice.
Things To Do
Zomba Forest Lodge sits just inside the forest reserve and there plenty of well-maintained trails meandering around it so for those who don’t fancy a big hike on the mountain. In terms of activities, there are plenty of hiking trails around the plateau including to the “bottomless Chingwe’s Hole, to Mulunguzi Dam, William’s Falls, Ku Chawe for a spot of tea and many other.
For those wanting to take it at a more leisurely pace, you can simply meander around the colourful lodge gardens, there are plenty of trails you can choose from. Zomba town is also well worth a visit and being the old colonial capital of Malawi, it is home to some of the country’s oldest buildings.
The city’s laid back atmosphere makes it perfect for those wanting to wonder around and there is plenty to see. Visit the botanical gardens, visit the colourful market and the War Memorial Tower to name but a few.
When To Visit
Zomba Forest Lodge is open all year round. While the hotel is open throughout the year, the best time to visit Zomba is generally between May and October, which is the dry season in Malawi. During this period, the climate is mild to warm with littler to no rain.
November to April (The Wet Season). This period is characterized by lush greenery and beautiful sunsets. The rainy season also brigs an abundance of birds and butterflies.
June and July (Coldest Months): Temperatures are at their coolest, with maximums in the low 20s.
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